Thursday, September 21, 2023

4:43 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene for a pro forma session only at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22. They will then reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26 with a 5:30 p.m. vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3935-FAA Authorization During wrap-up:

  • Confirmed-Philip Hadji to be Judge of the US Court of Federal Claims
  • Agreed to, S. Res. 208-expressing support of National Warrior Call Day
  • Agreed to, S. Res. 359-Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week
  • Passed, S. 2787-a bill to authorize the FCC to process application for Spectrum Licenses for applicants who were successful bidders in an auction

4:38 p.m. Senator Schumer filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3935-FAA Authorization

4:10 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about the appropriations process and disaster relief in Hawaii.

3:56 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the confirmation of General Eric. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps.

3:26 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the US-Mexico border and Ukraine.

2:59 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the price of prescription drugs.

2:35 p.m. Senators Grassley and Whitehouse spoke on Credit Suisse Nazi-linked accounts.

2:26 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) spoke on disaster aid and asked unanimous consent for the Senate to pass S. 2721, Federal Disaster Responsibility Act, as amended. Senator Whitehouse objected.

2:26 p.m. By a vote of 96-0, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps.

1:42 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the Confirmation of Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps

1:25 p.m. Senators Cruz and Sullivan spoke about the Coast Guard. Senator Cruz then asked for unanimous consent for the Senate to pass S. 2791, Pay Our Coast Guard Act. Senator Murray objected.

1:25 p.m. By a vote of 96-0, The Senate invoked cloture on General Eric Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps

Senators Feinstein, Murkowski, Romney and Scott (SC) did not vote

12:37 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps

12:36 p.m. By a vote of 96-1, the Senate confirmed the nomination of General Randy George to be Chief of Staff of the Army. Senator Lee voted no. Senators Feinstein, Murkowski, and Scott (SC) did not vote.

11:44 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of General Randy A. George to be Chief of Staff of the Army.

11:42 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the nomination of General Randy George to be Chief of Staff of the Army.

11:31 a.m. Republican Leader McConnell spoke on the meeting with President Zelenskyy, on China, and on reliable American energy.

11:20 a.m. Majority Leader Schumer completed the Rule XIV process on H.R. 3935, Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. The Majority Leader spoke on the meeting with President Zelenskyy, on funding for Ukraine, on House CR negotiations, and on Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

11:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

*****

The Senate will convene at 11:00 a.m. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Gen. Randy George to be Chief of Staff of the Army, post-cloture.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. – 2 roll call votes:

  1. Confirmation of Gen. Randy A. George to be Chief of Staff of the Army
  2. Motion to invoke cloture on Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps

At approximately 1:45 p.m. if cloture is invoked – 1 roll call vote:

  1. Confirmation of Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Commandant of the Marine Corps